Medicare was established to help pay basic healthcare needs for people ages 65 and over*, but it was never intended to cover all medical expenses. Over time, the cost of items not covered by Medicare has grown - to the point where it is often more than an individual can afford to pay.

To help cover your out-of-pocket medical costs, Medicare Supplement insurance policies help pay for items that Medicare may not cover, such as:

• Medicare deductibles

• Hospital and medical care co-insurance

• Extended hospital care

• Physician's services, hospital outpatient services and supplies

• Ambulance services

Additionally, with Medicare Supplement insurance plans:

• You choose your own doctors - no need to select a primary care physician

This chart gives you a quick look at the standardized Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans A through N and their benefits. Every insurance company must make Medicare Supplemental Insurance "Plan A" available if they offer any other Medicare Supplement insurance policy. Not all types of Medicare Supplemental Insurance policies are offered by all companies and some Medicare Supplemental Insurance policies may not be available in your state. For More information see complete CMS Guide to choosing a Medigap Policy.

How to read the chart: If a check mark appears in the column, this means that the Medicare Supplemental insurance policy covers 100% of the described benefit. If no percentage appears or if the column is blank, this means the Medicare Supplemental policy doesn’t cover that benefit. Note: Medicare Supplemental Insurance policies cover coinsurance only after you have paid the deductible (Unless the Medicare Supplement policy also covers the deductible)